By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
As many have said, an election is like a marathon. And in the 2026 Apopka mayoral election, that marathon is 237 days away from the finish line. It's important to pace yourself. A lot will happen between now and March 10th, 2026.
On the other hand, it never hurts to get off to a fast start.
Related: William Dabbs, a 2026 Apopka mayoral candidate, withdraws from election.
Related: Velazquez confirms she will defend Seat #2.
Related: Nelson files to run for third term as Apopka Mayor.
Related: Moore files to run for Mayor of Apopka.
The first campaign finance report for the 2026 Apopka mayoral race has been released, and one thing is clear: Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore is off to a fast start.
According to reports filed from April 1st through June 30th, Moore raised $19,680 from 71 individuals and 18 businesses, with 47 donations from local contributors. Contributions to her campaign ranged from $20 to the $1,500 maximum, averaging $221.12 per donation.
Notable supporters include the Rosen Centre and Rosen Plaza hotels, pillars of Central Florida’s hospitality industry known for their community involvement, and Finfrock, an Apopka-based design-build and precast concrete firm that has shaped major regional projects.
Another familiar name appeared on Moore’s donor list: Charles Vavrek, who served as Apopka’s interim city administrator. Vavrek was appointed to the role by Mayor Bryan Nelson, Moore’s opponent in the upcoming election.
"I’m grateful for the initial outpouring of support from Apopka and District 2 residents for my mayoral candidacy," Moore said. "I look forward to running a robust campaign based on the issues and strong vision for improved infrastructure, less suburban sprawl, and a revitalized downtown."
Moore has also begun investing in her campaign, reporting $3,198.79 in expenditures.
In contrast, Nelson has yet to ramp up his efforts, reporting just $2,500 in fundraising, all of which came from personal donations. He has yet to spend any of that money on his campaign.
However, don't expect that trend to continue. In 2022, Nelson raised $85,560; in 2018, he received $86,700 from his donors. In both of those campaigns, Nelson outraised his opponents significantly. But Moore is no stranger to fundraising.
In 2022, Moore raised approximately $155,546 in contributions leading up to the August 23rd primary for Orange County District 2—enough to win the election outright and avoid a November runoff.
According to Apopka City Clerk Susan Bone, only two candidates have filed to run for mayor (Moore and Nelson), and none for Seats #1 and #2 on the Apopka City Commission. However, Commissioner Diane Velazquez has publicly announced her intention to run for re-election. Commissioner Alexander Smith is the incumbent for Seat #1, but has made no public announcements or filed to run for what would be his third term.
